This season’s European competitions kick off this month and the new issue of Rugby World has you covered with a look at all five Champions Cup pools and a preview of the Challenge Cup. Plus, we have an exclusive interview with British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland and much more. Here are ten reasons to pick up a copy of Rugby World’s November issue…

We have the lowdown on every pool for 2016-17 with a series of big-name interviews. Alex Goode sets out the target of back-to-back titles with Saracens, Glasgow centre Mark Bennett talks Europe and the Olympics, and we catch up with the Davies brothers – Jonathan and James – who have been reunited at the Scarlets. We also sit down with four Northampton players, head to European giants Toulouse to talk to Toby Flood, analyse the myriad of centre options at Ulster and chat to Ireland prop Marty Moore about his Wasps move.

Pull no punches: James and Jonathan Davies have a joke during our shoot. Photo: Tom Jackson

2. Warren Gatland exclusive

During Rugby World’s exclusive sitdown with British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland, we discuss the 2017 tour to New Zealand as well as his dream dinner party guests, how he gets away from rugby and what scares him. Plus, we look at those in the running for assistant coach positions on the tour.

3. The global season debate

It’s the hot topic in rugby right now – how to create a more structured season that works for both hemispheres and puts player welfare to the fore. It’s a difficult problem but Stephen Jones lays out a ten-point plan to cure the congestion.

New Zealand World Cup winner Dan Carter will be leading Racing 92’s European Cup bid this month, but we decided to grill him on life away from rugby. The fly-half talks embarrassing moments, Paris highlights and why he’d want The Rock to play him in a film of his life.

All smiles: Dan Carter has a laugh at Racing 92. Photo: Getty Images

5. Rugby in Siberia

Russian side Enisei will play in the European Challenge Cup again this season – but they won’t be playing any games at their home ground in Krasnoyarsk. We speak to EPCR to find out why, discover how the players feel and talk to last season’s opponents about how tough the Russian club are to play.

With the 2016-17 season in full swing, Rugby World’s unrivalled clubs section is back, with news from grass-roots clubs across the country.

Magic touch: Clifton feature in the first Club Focus of the 2016-17 season. Photo: Warwick Baker

7. Greene King IPA Championship

How can England’s second tier become more effective? Should it follow France’s lead with the ProD2? We present a plan to help the Greene King IPA Championship thrive.

The line-up: The Greene King IPA Championship season launch. Photo: RFU

8. Japan 2019 travel tips

Last month we gave you the inside track on how preparations were going for the next World Cup and this month we provide advice for any fans thinking of travelling to Japan for the tournament in 2019. There are top tips and ideas of what to do in each of the RWC 2019 host cities.

9. Women’s rugby

Charlotte Caslick was the star of the women’s sevens at the Rio Olympics so we find out how she’s approaching a new season with Australia. Plus, we catch up with prop Rochelle Clark, who is hoping to overtake Jason Leonard’s tally of 114 Tests this year to become the most-capped England player ever.

Leicester fly-half Freddie Burns explains how to get the most out of kicking along the deck with his top tips on how to grubber kick. We also have a backs move from Ulster coach Neil Doak, fitness tips for wingers and skills advice for mini rugby players in our advice section.